These simple sugar cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their classic buttery flavor and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, they're sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, they're a breeze to make with just a handful of ingredients!
Butter is the key to achieving that rich, creamy texture in these cookies. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the final product. Granulated sugar gives the cookies their sweet flavor and helps them spread slightly during baking. The egg adds moisture and acts as a binding agent, while vanilla extract infuses the dough with its warm, inviting aroma. The all-purpose flour forms the base structure of the cookies, and the combination of baking powder and salt ensures they rise just enough, with a balanced taste.
These sugar cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert. For a festive touch, serve them with a warm mug of spiced apple cider or hot chocolate.
First, you'll want to preheat your oven to 350°F so it's ready for the cookies. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer, and it's crucial for creating that airy cookie texture.
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Make sure they're well combined — you'll notice the mixture becomes smoother and slightly paler in color, which is exactly what you want.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, so your cookies bake uniformly.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. You might need to switch to a spatula or your hands towards the end, as the dough can become quite thick.
Now, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The parchment paper will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass. This step helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them their classic shape.
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as sugar cookies can go from perfect to over-baked quickly.
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up nicely and prevents them from breaking.
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